An Ugly Card Gets Even Uglier ...

As much as collectors hate to admit it: the 1986 Donruss Jose Canseco is a classic. It does not matter that the card design is hideous and could drive a man like me with O.C.D. insane, it will forever be cherished by collectors even if Jose will not. Don’t even get me started on the mustache Jose is rocking, which looks like something you might see a 12-year old growing.

Unfortunately, that dirt on his face appeared all over 1986 brands. It also made a shocking return a full decade later while Jose was putting dents in the Green Monster. This 1996 Upper Card, which featured a very elegant design and two great photos, is one of my all-time favorite releases for many reasons, including the return of the Mexi-Stache.

As for the card itself, it too made a return thanks to a brilliant move by Donruss called ‘Recollection Collection’. Donruss, bought back several of their classic cards, had them hard-signed, and included them into new products. Of course, Donruss reissued the ’86 Donruss Canseco card but the print run was so low that a guy like me would never be able to obtain it.

Hey, at least I have a great scan of it.

As for what inspired this post, well, it’s that little pin below, currently for sale on eBay. Call me crazy but it seems like the makers of that thing found a way to recreate the fuglyness of 1986 Donruss and then somehow outdid them by creating a pin that makes Jose look like a woman with a mustache she is just too proud to show off.

Whatever the case, something tells me it will join my collection sooner rather than later.

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